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Just a hypothetical question because I feel with my numbers (GPA 3.92 and LSAT 168) this will be the exact situation I am in.

BigLaw is what I want in the future. So, keep that in mind when you are voting and assessing the situation.

BigLaw, then T14. Though I think that a 169 would have locked you in for T14, the 168 may be a bit more sporadic. Just apply early.

Just apply and get back to us. Lame hypothetical.

OK. Regardless of what you think of my numbers, what is your opinion on the subject matter in general.

You will likely not be in this position. I think your self assessment is too pessimistic.

In any case. If I was okay working a local market, then I'd take the money. If I would only be satisfied at a NYC firm then I'd take the T14.

rklafehn wrote:OK. Regardless of what you think of my numbers, what is your opinion on the subject matter in general.

The hypothetical is lame.

Really? Pessimistic? In what way?

And why is the hypothetical lame?

I feel like there are a lot of people that have to make a decision like this.

rklafehn wrote:Really? Pessimistic? In what way?

For example: Same LSAT, lower GPA got me $70k+ (whereabouts) at Texas and Vandy. That's why this is lame.

rklafehn wrote:And why is the hypothetical lame?

I feel like there are a lot of people that have to make a decision like this.

Basically it rarely comes down to T14 at sticker and the 15-25 with the same $60k.

I see what your saying OP. A decision between cornell / georgetown at sticker vs maybe BU/Wustl/Vandy/UT 20k per year can be tough. However, given your numbers I think you should be able to get more $ in the 15-25 range (and possibly a small scholly to a T14). If you can get more $ to a 15-25 school in the region you want, go for that. If you get a scholly to duke or cornell or something, take that. Being at your numbers makes it hard to predict exactly what offers you will get, so wait and see and I think you'll see that it is easier to decide than you think.

I don't think this hypothetical is lame or unrealistic.

I ws in the (almost) same situation. Little money at Vandy but full ride at Iowa. Because of the full tuition offer, I took Iowa (kind of don't like the south too).

OP are you an URM? If so, I think your numbers can get you more money and into a T14.

Nope. Non-URM. Got a decent resume. Three good LORs.

Probably going to ED to UPenn and retake in October to see if I can get to 170. Got -7 on RC and -1 on LG (stupid mistake) on the June test. There are points to be had.

rklafehn wrote:Nope. Non-URM. Got a decent resume. Three good LORs.

Probably going to ED to UPenn and retake in October to see if I can get to 170. Got -7 on RC and -1 on LG (stupid mistake) on the June test. There are points to be had.

ED at Penn is a good idea. I applied the LAST minute with a lower LSAT and was waitlisted. If I had applied a lot earlier in the cycle, I think I would have had a pretty good shot at getting in. Scholly money, however, is a different story. Higher LSAT = more scholly.

Good luck.

Well this is pretty much the choice I faced this year, $50k from Fordham (I have a condo in NYC so I won't need to pay room and board) or sticker at Michigan, what made the decision for me was choosing to go to night school at Fordham because between the scholarship, housing, and lost salary, I would easily be spending half a million more going to Michigan. Still took me a long time to decide but being married and (my wife making much less and possibly wanting to have a baby), the extra work seemed worth it especially since I plan to stay in NYC. Circumstances affect everyone...